Assuming we get the F-35, I wonder who we can use it against?
Greece? The US would probably shut down both countries' aircraft... before a conflict arose, and would even sell it as de-escalation. How clever and forward-thinking they are as Americans...
Against Israel?






I don't need to write any more on that.
Against Russia/Iran? Their junk aircraft and drones still haven't achieved absolute dominance in Ukraine, which is embarrassing enough. No one takes Russia seriously in terms of conventional capabilities.
Analysis and partial reverse engineering to explore US Gen 5/Pre Gen 6 Logic? You don't need 40+ machines for that...
For NATO missions? You don't need F-35s for that; the Eurofighter/F-16s will suffice until 2040+.
Prestige in the F-35 club? I don't see any added value here...
Access to MRO and spare parts and parts manufacturing via TAI and TEI? That's the only logical reason I've found. Whether it's enough is another question.